tech

How to Get a Cheaper, New iPhone Charger

It takes place worldwide from August 16 to October 18 and is limited to one per device!

By Sadho Ram — 07 Aug 2013, 03:43 PM — Updated over 10 years ago

Cover image via

Apple launches trade-in programme for third-party chargers

Apple announced on Tuesday a trade-in programme to exchange third-party USB chargers for mobile devices for half-price original ones.

Apple announced this USB Power Adapter Takeback Program on Monday. The program will kick off in the US on Aug 16 and run through Oct 18.

People must bring the unwanted chargers along with a corresponding iPod, iPad, or iPhone to an Apple Retail Store or to an authorised Apple service provider. Apple said device serial numbers need to be valid to qualify for the adapter trade-in program.

The technology giant has said consumers can buy an authentic USB adaptor for the equivalent of $10

The trade-in programme has been launched following electrocution of Chinese woman

The announcement followed reports last month that a Chinese woman was reported to have been fatally electrocuted while talking on her iPhone which was plugged in to a third-party charger. Apple has said that it is investigating the incident.

Apple did not mention any reasons for the program, other than saying that "recent reports have suggested that some counterfeit and third-party adapters may not be designed properly and could result in safety issues" on its website.

Director general of the Electrical Safety Council, warned about the dangers of cheap USB chargers, saying: 'Whilst everyone loves a bargain, if a cheap electrical product turns out to be fake then it is, at best, a waste of money. At worst, it could result in the death of a loved one.'

READ: All about the Chinese woman who was killed by iPhone charger shock

Here's how to differentiate between real and fake chargers

'When you need to charge the iPhone or iPad, we recommend that you use the standard USB power adapter and USB cable.' All iPhone and iPads are sold with official Apple chargers, although fake replacements can be bought online.

Image via dailymail.co.uk

Apple's instructions on how to tell an official power adapter from a fake one. It provided images of chargers for each Apple device, including the iPhone 5 and the iPad 2, with the safety notices underneath.

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